Materials and Supplies In Basements Can Get Moldy

6/26/2019 (Permalink)

Materials and Supplies In Basements Can Get Moldy

For many offices and schools, lots of things are sent down to the basement for storage - and there it will sit until someday it is needed again.  But having a too moist environment is an invitation for mold and mildew to step in.  Once they do, they can destroy the materials and spread to destroy more - which can be costly.   

At SERVPRO of the North Fork we are very thorough and especially so if the environment is one where children will gather.  If you suspect mold or mildew, please reach out to us, we can help.  Note that in NYS anything over 1o square feet of mold will need to have independent environmental testing done.  If you need more information on this, please call our office at 631-591-3771

Mold Facts

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can be very costly to repair and the effects it can have on your health can be serious. Do not ignore the problem, it won’t go away it will eventually get worse. If the affected area is bigger than 10 square foot will require a mold remediation expert.

Consider the following mold facts:

• Keep indoor humidity levels below 60%. The ideal levels are between 30-50%. Relative humidity can be measured by a moisture or humidity meter, a small and inexpensive instrument available at most hardware stores.
• If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes, act fast to dry the wet surfaces and reduce the moisture or water source.
• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to re mediate your mold infestation.

Mold Grown in Children Toys?

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

Be weary of rubber ducky's.

Reprinted by www.insideedition.com

They bob around in bathtubs, but they are definitely not clean.

A new study has found ugly things lurking inside rubber ducky bath toys. "The dark side of plastic materials in contact with potable water" researched 19 plastic playthings that live in the tub.

A team from the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology and the University of Illinois collected five bath toys from different Swiss homes. They also purchased rubber ducks to be studied in adults-only households.

Researchers found that lying around in humid, warm and wet bathrooms creates bacteria and fungi in plastic toys that squirt water. They also exposed the toys to sweat, urine, water and soap over 11 days.

Then they cut them in half and studied the contents.

Study results showed bacteria such as drug-resistant Legionella, as well as E.coli and Listeria, were festering inside the toys' plastic guts. They also found mold. 

Those bacteria can lead to infections, researchers said.

Water isn't the only culprit, the study found. Plastic used in the toys is also to blame by releasing carbon compounds that nourish bacteria.

The researchers said using high-quality polymers to manufacture the toys would solve the problem. But that's not an immediate solution. Plugging the holes in the playthings would stop water from getting inside and creating a mess. Or, adults could wash and disinfect rubber duckies after bath time.

Is Mold Hiding Behind your Walls?

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

Do not wait until the mold has taking over.

Mold hides behind Sheetrock walls, it may show some early signs of mold grown such as musty odor, seeing mold, humidity, condensation, water leaks, damp basement, water stains, flooding, etc.  But as someone unfamiliar with this fungus, you may miss the initial clues. By the time you realize what you are dealing with the fungus may have spread to large portions of your house. If you suspect you have mold please call SERVPRO of the North Fork, we have the expertise to re-mediate your mold infestation, after receiving the written protocol, we will schedule a day and time to have a mold professional visit your property to take pictures and measurements, we will build an estimate for the cost of remediation and finalize a remediation plan that is catered to your specific mold problem.

Mold Growth Starts with a Moisture Problem

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Grown on Drywall.

Mold remediation starts with fixing the source of your moisture problem. If you’re experiencing mold in your attic, then roof leaks or poor ventilation are your most likely causes. Whatever the cause of your moisture issue, you need to get it fixed as soon as possible. Your mold problem isn’t going to go away until you’ve addressed it, and you also risk serious structural and aesthetic damage to your home if you choose to ignore the problem. SERVPRO of the North Fork has all the experience to re mediate even the difficult task of mold remediation. If you need assistance with mold removal, we suggest scheduling a free consultation with us, we have professionals available to visit your home, inspect for mold and advise you about the work that needs to be done. We can provide a free estimate. Call us at 631-591-3771

Unnoticeable Water leak can Lead to a Mold Problem in your Property

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

Unnoticeable Water Leak can Lead Massive Mold Grown.

A leaky faucet in your home can be annoying, after water leaking over time can start to cause mold in moist areas. These spores can grow on wood, title, paint, carpet, Sheetrock, cardboard, wallpaper, insulation, etc.  Mold spores are known to cause allergic reactions and exacerbate respiratory problems, mold can grow rapidly if you fail to notice a leak shortly after it starts, especially in humid climates. It’s necessary to have a prompt remediation to avoid further damage in your property. SERVPRO of the North Fork is ready to help in any situation you might have, we can go to your property and inspect the area to determinate what are the best procedures to re mediate areas affected before it spread into other areas. Call us at 631-591-3771.

The Danger of Indoor Mold Growth

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

In almost all cases, indoor mold growth may not be as obvious. It is possible that mold may be growing within hidden surfaces and still be undetected. Possible locations of hidden mold can include pipe chases and utility tunnels (with leaking or condensing pipes) Walls behind furniture, backside of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, ceiling tiles, under carpets and pads, etc. Hidden mold may be suspected if a building smells moldy and the source is not visible, or if there has been tracing water damage for a long period of time.

If you suspect you have mold in your property or you see signs of mold growth call us today 631-591-3771. Professionals at SERVPRO of the North Fork can inspect and assess damages at your property, our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to re-mediate your mold infestation.

Mold can Spread Quickly Anywhere On the North Fork

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can eat through wallboard, fabric and furniture - all food sources.

At SERVPRO of the North Fork, if you have damp areas with poor air circulation, you may have noticed the telltale musty odor that suggests the presence of mold. 

Mold can cause health effects. We can see in the photo the visible mold covering walls, wood and furniture.  Why?  There is too much moisture along with ample food sources (wood & drywall) to feed the mold. 

Areas that have mold affecting more than 10 square feet here on Long Island require an independent assessment from an environmental hygienist. 

The hygienist' report will indicate what the remediation protocol will be - that is what we will follow.  Don't wait after a water event!  The longer mold is left to grow, the larger and more costly a problem you will have.  Mold won't go away on it's own and splashing bleach on mold is ineffective - it doesn't kill the mold, which will regrow.   

Think you have mold? Call 631-591-3771.